Thank you

The Mendenhall Flying Lions Club completed its 7th annual Diabetes Barbecue and Auction on Nov. 16. This event raised $8,200 for the local chapter of ADA, and has raised more than $36,000 over the past seven years. We would like to send a big thank you to all of the generous people who showed up to participate in either the barbecue or the auction.

G. W. Teal allowed us to use their premises again and without their support this event would not be possible. Pappy Poe's Pork Palace again donated time and expertise to cook the ribs (what can you say, love those ribs.)

The past two months I've been so fortunate. I have a job (that is the best break I have had in years) and wonderful people that I work with. But this morning, it's hard not to stare at the blank ceiling in my bedroom and force myself to go to work.

Dec. 14 is the fifth anniversary of the death of my son, Ron David II, who committed suicide because he thought he had cancer. Dec. 16 is the fifth anniversary of the death of my husband, Ron Eddy, who died from colon cancer.

Those two days are so clear in my mind. It's like it happened yesterday. I don't know where all the tears have been stored up in my body, but some days, like today, feel so unending.

My surviving son moved to Seattle because Juneau posed too many memories for him. He wants me to move there, but I can't - because I still need the hugs you've favored me with, I still need the compassion that you've instilled in my heart, and, last but not least, I still need the prayers that have given me strength to get up in the morning and go to work.

As we approach the holidays that I fear to face, a smile comes into focus because each and every one of you has been my gift from God and I will continue to survive this tragedy and live a happy and fulfilling life. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank my immediate family (brothers and sisters), my relatives and friends who have kept my son Richard and I in their prayers.

Barb Eddy Whitcraft

Juneau

...for your support.

The family of Amy Nelson, NaaTlaa of the Kiks'Adi clan, expresses our sincere appreciation to those who helped and comforted us during our recent loss. Thank you for the many cards, food and donations to the family.

Special thanks to Cornerstone Home and Healthcare and caregivers; Dr. Chu of SEARHC; Alaska Native Brotherhood and Alaska Native Sisterhood; Tlingit Haida Central Council; Father Bob and Matushka Polson; St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

A very special thank you to the Juneau emergency ambulance teams and the Bartlett emergency room staff who handled our mother with care, patience and understanding when they were called upon over the last several years.

In the tradition of the Orthodox Church, a dinner will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002, at the ANB Hall.

Family and friends, please join us to commemorate the 40 days of Amy's falling asleep in the lord. May her memory be eternal.